Federal Regulations on Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum and Allied Petroleum Products
In carrying out work relating to storage tank systems for petroleum and allied petroleum products, professional engineers need to be aware of the high level of oversight required under the Federal Regulations on Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum and Allied Petroleum Products. Brought into effect on June 12, 2008, these regulations apply to federal government tanks, tanks on First Nations land and some other tanks under federal jurisdiction, such as those at airports.
There are a number of places in the regulation that require that the work be done by a provincially licensed contractor or supervised by a professional engineer. As BC does not have such provincially licensed contractors, the onus is on the professional engineer. Under the regulations, where a provincially licensed contractor is not used, a professional engineer must seal and stamp as-built drawings, and must supervise tank installation, withdrawal or removal.
In addition to the professional oversight required, there are a number of technical requirements that are unique to the regulations. These include requirements for leak detection, containment of piping, spill containment at product transfer areas, and others. Professional engineers working with these kinds of storage systems need to be aware of how and when these requirements apply.
The Federal Regulations on Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum and Allied Petroleum Products are available here on the Environment Canada website. A number of other related documents providing guidance on the regulations are also available.